I. Overview

As renewable energy technology continues to advance, the electrical power industry's demand for renewable energy sources is increasing, with the wind energy sector being a crucial component. This sector is a key industry for steel demand in China, requiring a wide variety of steel types and specifications.

Essential equipment for wind power generation includes nacelles, gearboxes, generators, rotor blades, bearings, shafts, low-speed shafts, yaw devices, electronic controllers, tower tubes, and tower frames. All these components rely heavily on steel materials.

II. Current State of Wind Energy Industry

1. Global

In 2022, 92.8GW of new wind power installations were added globally, with onshore wind accounting for 89% and offshore wind only 11%. China, Europe, and North America are the three major markets, making up 87% of new installations.

2. Domestic

As of the end of 2021, China has an installed onshore wind capacity of 320GW, accounting for 40% of the global total. The installed offshore wind capacity is 25.35GW, representing 48% of the global total. China has become the country with the largest installed capacity both onshore and offshore.

III. Requirements for Steel in Wind Power

1. Functional Requirements

· Strength: Components need to withstand significant forces, requiring high-strength steel.

· Toughness: The material must endure long-term wind impact and vibrations.

· Corrosion Resistance: Many turbines are located in harsh environments like oceans and mountainous regions.

2. Processing Requirements

· Precision: High machining accuracy is crucial for component interfaces.

· Surface Quality: Quality of the steel surface also matters, affecting the unit's corrosion resistance and appearance.

3. Environmental Requirements

· Material Source: Preference is given to eco-friendly materials.

· Manufacturing Process: Low-carbon and low-energy processes are preferred.

IV. Types of Steel Used in Wind Power

1. By Use

· Thick Plates: Used for the tower tube and nacelle base. Common grades are Q235, Q345, Q355.

· Electrical Steel: Used for motor cores, stators, and rotors. Common grades are B50A470, B50A600, B50A800.

· Special Steel: Used for main shafts, bearings, gears. Common grades are 18CrNiMo7, 40CrNiMo, 20CrNi2MoA.

2. By Function

· High-strength Low-alloy Steel: Common grades are Q390, Q420.

· High-Strength Steel: Common grades are Q550D, Q690D, Q890D, Q960D.

· Weather-resistant Steel: Common grades are 09CuPCrNi-A, 09CuPTiRE-A, 09CuPTiRE-B, B480GNQR.

· Stainless Steel: Common grades are 304, 316, 316L.